Mortgage Approval Group, LLC

Mortgage Approval Group, LLC Tampa Mortgage Broker with over 20 years of experience in providing the best financing options for your home purchase or refinance with five-star service!

To schedule an appointment please visit https://calendly.com/scott-kepler or call (813) 444-8537! * Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)
 A mortgage with an interest rate that changes during the life of the loan according to movements in an index rate. Sometimes called AMLs (adjustable mortgage loans) or VRMs (variable-rate mortgages).
* Annual Percentage Rate (APR) 
The cost of credit, expressed as a y

early rate including interest, mortgage insurance, and loan origination fees. This allows the buyer to compare loans, however APR should not be confused with the actual note rate.
* Appraisal 
A written analysis prepared by a qualified appraiser and estimating the value of a property.
* Appraised Value 
An opinion of a property's fair market value, based on an appraiser's knowledge, experience, and analysis of the property.
* Broker
 An individual or company that brings borrowers and lenders together for the purpose of loan origination.
* Closing Costs
 These are expenses - over and above the price of the property - that are incurred by buyers and sellers when transferring ownership of a property. Closing costs normally include an origination fee, property taxes, charges for title insurance and escrow costs, appraisal fees, etc. Closing costs will vary according to the area country and the lenders used.
* Credit Report 
A report detailing an individual's credit history that is prepared by a credit bureau and used by a lender to determine a loan applicant's creditworthiness.
* Credit Risk Score 
A credit score measures a consumer's credit risk relative to the rest of the U.S. population, based on the individual's credit usage history. The credit score most widely used by lenders is the FICO® score, developed by Fair, Issac and Company. This 3-digit number, ranging from 300 to 850, is calculated by a mathematical equation that evaluates many types of information that are on your credit report. Higher FICO® scores represents lower credit risks, which typically equate to better loan terms. In general, credit scores are critical in the mortgage loan underwriting process.
* Down Payment
 Part of the purchase price of a property that is paid in cash and not financed with a mortgage.
* Equity
 The amount of financial interest in a property. Equity is the difference between the fair market value of the property and the amount still owed on the mortgage.
* Escrow 
An item of value, money, or documents deposited with a third party to be delivered upon the fulfillment of a condition. For example, the deposit of funds or documents into an escrow account to be disbursed upon the closing of a sale of real estate.
* Fannie Mae
 A congressionally chartered, shareholder-owned company that is the nation's largest supplier of home mortgage funds.
* FHA Mortgage 
A mortgage that is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Also known as a government mortgage.
* FICO Score
 FICO® scores are the most widely used credit score in U.S. mortgage loan underwriting. Higher FICO® scores represent lower credit risks, which typically equate to better loan terms.
* Fixed-Rate Mortgage (FRM) 
A mortgage interest that are fixed throughout the entire term of the loan.
* HUD-1 statement 
A document that provides an itemized listing of the funds that are payable at closing. Items that appear on the statement include real estate commissions, loan fees, points, and initial escrow amounts. Each item on the statement is represented by a separate number within a standardized numbering system. The totals at the bottom of the HUD-1 statement define the seller's net proceeds and the buyer's net payment at closing.
* Index
 The index is the measure of interest rate changes a lender uses to decide the amount an interest rate on an ARM will change over time.The index is generally a published number or percentage, such as the average interest rate or yield on Treasury bills. Some index rates tend to be higher than others and some more volatile.
* Initial Interest Rate 
This refers to the original interest rate of the mortgage at the time of closing. This rate changes for an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). It's also known as "start rate" or "teaser."
* Line of Credit
 An agreement by a commercial bank or other financial institution to extend credit up to a certain amount for a certain time.
* Monthly Fixed Installment 
That portion of the total monthly payment that is applied toward principal and interest. When a mortgage negatively amortizes, the monthly fixed installment does not include any amount for principal reduction and doesn't cover all of the interest. The loan balance therefore increases instead of decreasing.
* Mortgage
 A legal document that pledges a property to the lender as security for payment of a debt.
* Mortgage Banker
 A company that originates mortgages exclusively for resale in the secondary mortgage market.
* Mortgage Broker 
An individual or company that brings borrowers and lenders together for the purpose of loan origination.
* Mortgage Insurance
 A contract that insures the lender against loss caused by a mortgagor's default on a government mortgage or conventional mortgage. Mortgage insurance can be issued by a private company or by a government agency.
* Pre-Approval 
The process of determining how much money you will be eligible to borrow before you apply for a loan.
* Principal Balance
 The outstanding balance of principal on a mortgage not including interest or any other charges.
* Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance (PITI) 
The four components of a monthly mortgage payment. Principal refers to the part of the monthly payment that reduces the remaining balance of the mortgage. Interest is the fee charged for borrowing money. Taxes and insurance refer to the monthly cost of property taxes and homeowners insurance, whether these amounts that are paid into an escrow account each month or not.
* Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) 
Mortgage insurance provided by a private mortgage insurance company to protect lenders against loss if a borrower defaults. Most lenders generally require MI for a loan with a loan-to-value (LTV) percentage in excess of 80 percent.
* Rate Lock 
A commitment issued by a lender to a borrower or other mortgage originator guaranteeing a specified interest rate and lender costs for a specified period of time.
* Real Estate Agent
 A person licensed to negotiate and transact the sale of real estate on behalf of the property owner.
* Refinance 
Paying off one loan with the proceeds from a new loan using the same property as security.
* Underwriting
 The process of evaluating a loan application to determine the risk involved for the lender. Underwriting involves an analysis of the borrower's creditworthiness and the quality of the property itself.
* VA Mortgage
 A mortgage that is guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Also known as a government mortgage.
* "Wrap Around" Mortgage 
A mortgage that includes the remaining balance on an existing first mortgage plus an additional amount requested by the mortgagor. Full payments on both mortgages are made to the "Wrap Around" mortgagee, who then forwards the payments on the first mortgage to the first mortgagee. These mortgages may not be allowed by the first mortgage holder, and if discovered, could be subject to a demand for full payment. Thank you for contacing a Tampa, Florida mortgage loan broker!

Stop Foreclosure Before It Starts—VA's New Partial Claim Program Has Your BackIf you're a veteran and missed a few mortg...
06/10/2026

Stop Foreclosure Before It Starts—VA's New Partial Claim Program Has Your Back

If you're a veteran and missed a few mortgage payments, here's what you need to know: the VA isn't leaving you hanging.

June 15 changes everything. The new Partial Claim program is designed specifically for veterans like you who've hit a bump in the road. Here's why it's different:

🏠 The Real Talk:
Your servicer gets paid to bring your loan current. You don't pay it back immediately. You repay it when you sell or refinance. That's it. That's the lifeline.

The catch? You've gotta show you can make payments for 3 months straight. That's the trial period. Prove it, and you're in.

Servicers are live with this by November 28. Don't wait until you're in crisis mode.

Your move: Call 877-827-3702 today. A VA loan technician can walk you through whether this is your best option.

Have you been putting off calling for help because you weren't sure what options were actually available to you?

$13M Federal Bet: AI & Robots Are About to Change Home Building Forever 🏗️Here's the deal—the government just committed ...
06/09/2026

$13M Federal Bet: AI & Robots Are About to Change Home Building Forever 🏗️

Here's the deal—the government just committed serious money to test something that could shake up the entire housing market:

🤖 Advanced robotics building homes in factories (faster, cheaper, more consistent)
⚡ Automated permitting systems that could cut approval times from months to weeks
💰 Lower construction costs = lower home prices for you

This isn't some distant future scenario. This is happening NOW with federal backing. When big government money flows into construction tech, private investors follow. And when private investors follow, innovation accelerates.

If homes could be built 50% faster and cost 20% less, would that change your buying timeline?

💪 **Breaking: VA's New Safety Net for Veterans is HERE** 💪Foreclosure fears? Not anymore. The VA just launched a game-ch...
06/08/2026

💪 **Breaking: VA's New Safety Net for Veterans is HERE** 💪

Foreclosure fears? Not anymore. The VA just launched a game-changing Partial Claim program (June 15, 2026) that's specifically designed to help veterans who are struggling with mortgage payments.

Here's what you need to know:
• The VA will help cover your missed payments
• It's a real lifeline if you're facing financial hardship
• Congress reauthorized this to protect those who served

This isn't just another program—it's a promise to veterans that the country has your back. If you're worried about losing your home, this could be exactly what you need.

**Are you a veteran who could benefit from this, or do you know someone who should hear about it?** Let's get the word out! 👇

Hold up—did you know the VA just rolled out a brand-new Partial Claim program that could literally save your home? 🏡If y...
06/07/2026

Hold up—did you know the VA just rolled out a brand-new Partial Claim program that could literally save your home? 🏡

If you're a veteran with a VA loan and you've missed some payments, this is NOT the time to panic. The VA's got your back with a program that covers your missed payments so you can catch up without drowning in more debt.

Think of it as a reset button for your mortgage. You get:
• Real financial relief (not another loan)
• A path to keep your home
• Peace of mind during tough times
• A second chance to get back on track

The program launches June 15, 2026—and servicers have until November to get it fully implemented. If you're struggling right now, don't wait. Reach out and find out if you qualify.

What's been your biggest worry about keeping your home? Let's talk about how this program might be the solution you've been looking for.

Here's what's actually happening in the housing market right now: Builder confidence is back. After months of decline, M...
06/06/2026

Here's what's actually happening in the housing market right now: Builder confidence is back. After months of decline, May brought the first real gain—and it's because buyers are finally ready to move.

The numbers tell the story:
✅ All three major market indices posted gains
✅ Only 32% of builders are cutting prices (down from 36%)
✅ The Midwest and Northeast are leading the charge

The reality? Affordability is still tight. Rates are in the mid-6% range, and builders are leaning on incentives to close deals. But here's the silver lining—if you've been waiting for the right moment, spring is showing real pockets of opportunity.

Are you thinking about buying soon, or are you waiting to see how the market moves? Let's talk about what makes sense for YOUR situation. 💬

💰 **Good news if you're thinking about buying a home!**Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac just expanded their 2026 Area Median I...
06/05/2026

💰 **Good news if you're thinking about buying a home!**

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac just expanded their 2026 Area Median Income limits—and most areas are getting HIGHER thresholds. Translation? More people qualify for affordable mortgage programs right now.

If you've been wondering whether homeownership is actually within reach, the answer might surprise you. First-time buyers and folks with moderate incomes now have more options than ever before.

These updated limits go live June 13th across all their systems. The timing couldn't be better.

**Are you ready to find out if you finally qualify?** 🔑

Hold Up—Tampa's Condo Market Just Became a Buyer's Paradise 🎉If you've been waiting for your moment to buy in Tampa, thi...
06/04/2026

Hold Up—Tampa's Condo Market Just Became a Buyer's Paradise 🎉

If you've been waiting for your moment to buy in Tampa, this is it. Nearly half of all condo listings are cutting prices right now, and here's why that matters:

The reality check:
✓ 48% of condos dropping prices (vs. single-family homes staying firm)
✓ Buyers now have negotiating power they haven't had in years
✓ HOA fee concerns? That's actually creating opportunity for informed buyers
✓ You can now ask for repairs, closing cost help, AND better rates

Single-family homes are still solid, but they're not budging on price. Condos? They're ready to deal with buyers who know what they're looking for.

The catch: You need to do your homework on HOA finances and total monthly costs. But if you're willing to put in that work, you're looking at one of the best buying windows in years.

What's holding you back from making your move in Tampa—is it finding the right property, understanding HOA costs, or something else entirely? 🔑

Stop waiting for the 'perfect time' to buy in Florida—it's literally happening right now.The market's rebalancing. Inven...
06/03/2026

Stop waiting for the 'perfect time' to buy in Florida—it's literally happening right now.

The market's rebalancing. Inventory's up. Prices are stable. Sellers are motivated. And you? You've got leverage.

Real talk:
• 4.7 months of inventory = actual choice
• Median prices holding at $420K = no crazy appreciation pressure
• 45-67 days on market in Tampa = time to make smart decisions
• Builder incentives = more money in your pocket
• Motivated sellers = negotiating power

This isn't hype. This is math. And the math says buyer's market.

The catch? This won't last. Rates will drop eventually, competition will return, and this window closes. So what's your move—are you ready to make it happen, or are you waiting for something that might never come?

48% of Tampa listings just cut prices—but here's the plot twist: it's not all bad news. 🎯The market's sending a clear si...
06/02/2026

48% of Tampa listings just cut prices—but here's the plot twist: it's not all bad news. 🎯

The market's sending a clear signal, and smart buyers are listening. Here's the breakdown:

📊 Single-family homes: Still holding strong at $420K median, but sellers are finally getting realistic. You've got leverage on repairs and closing costs now.

📊 Condos: This is where it gets interesting. Inventory is up, prices are down, and buyers are actually getting 96% of asking price. If you've been waiting for your moment—this is it.

Why the split? Homeowners are glued to their 2-3% mortgage rates (who wouldn't be?), so single-family supply is tight. Condo inventory is flooding the market because of new HOA requirements.

The bottom line? 34 days on market for single-family homes means you can actually take your time and make a smart decision. No rushing.

What's holding you back from making your move in Tampa's market right now? 🏡

Hold up—did you know you could be a homeowner with ZERO down payment?That's the power of VA loans, and thousands of vete...
06/01/2026

Hold up—did you know you could be a homeowner with ZERO down payment?

That's the power of VA loans, and thousands of veterans aren't using them. We're talking $28 billion in unused benefits.

Here's what makes VA loans so powerful:
• No down payment required
• Skip the PMI payments
• Lock in competitive rates
• Minimal closing costs
• Service-connected? Even MORE savings

This benefit is YOURS. You earned it. Whether you're buying your first home or upgrading, now's the time to stop leaving money on the table.

What would homeownership mean to you? Let's talk about making it happen.

Address

2918 Busch Lake Boulevard, Suite A
Tampa, FL
33614

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 8pm
Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 8pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 9am - 8pm
Saturday 9am - 8pm

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